An elderly woman aged in her 80s was killed in a large house fire in Epsom on Tuesday night (February 25).

Four engines from Epsom, Banstead, Reigate and Leatherhead stations were called to the house in Mill Road to tackle the blaze at around 11.40pm.

A fire service spokesman said: "Four crews entered and rescued an elderly female... unfortunately she [was] pronounced dead at the scene by SECAmb [South East Coast Ambulance Service].

"The cause is under investigation."

The blaze left parts of the house blackened

A SECAmb spokesman added: "There were reports of a house fire which we sent ambulance crews to.

"This included three cars, one ambulance and we also sent a HART [hazardous area] response team.

"Sadly though the incident led to a patient being pronounced dead at the scene."

The blaze tore through the home and left parts of the property blackened and a window hanging from its hinges.

Posting a tribute on Facebook, neighbour Matt Spring said: "She was a lovely little old lady just down the road from me.

"Used to chat to her about all the lovely wild flowers she had in her garden and she would always give me seeds and cuttings and I would help her to her door with her shopping if I was passing.

"Thoughts and love and light to her family and friends, sleep peacefully."

Emergency services at the scene

Inspector Jackie Elkins from Surrey Police said the victim's next of kin had been informed about her death.

She added: "Road closures were put in place while emergency crews attended and will remain in place while we carryout ongoing investigations.

"At this stage in the investigation there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire, but officers will be assisting Surrey Fire & Rescue Service with their enquiries at the scene.

"It is not believed this fire connects to other recent fires in the Epsom area which are believed to be of suspicious origin.